There are two sides: one side awaiting more winter, and another side wanting spring early. However, there’s only one true tiebreaker: The groundhog! He has carried the tradition for centuries. Groundhog Day goes way back to the late 1800’s, specifically 1886, leading us all the way to today.
Groundhog Day may seem like just a quirky national holiday, but it’s a holiday that’s rich in history. It all started with the European weather lore, which consists of observing how and when animals hibernate. The original animal that they watched was a hedgehog, but since it wasn’t native to the land, they chose the groundhog to observe. This explains its given name: Groundhog Day.
Moreover, the holiday has been around for generations, but what’s more intriguing is the groundhog’s name, Punxsutawney Phil. His name originates from the small town named Punxsutawney in Pennsylvania. Every February 2nd they hold a gathering around Phil’s burrow, patiently waiting for him to arise from his slumber and to see if he sees his shadow for more winter. And if he doesn’t, it ultimately means spring is near.
Since Punxsutawney is the official weather predicating animal, they have a Groundhog Club Inner Circle., They make sure he lives comfortably in his borrow, named Gobblers’ Knob, which is located in Barclay Square. This club was also the first group to make Groundhogs day a national holiday. They observed and recorded this prediction, and now it is the official weather marking method we use today! Every Groundhog day, they pick up Phil and read his predictions for the world to hear.
Though this national day sounds silly to other states, in Pennsylvania, it’s a huge holiday. Thousands of people travel and gather in Punxsutawney to celebrate with festivals, food, games, and even merch of their favorite groundhog! This event is held every weekend before Groundhog’s day.
When Phil eventually arises, only the members from the club are able to pick up and hold Phil in the air. Showing all that he has awoken and told us the predictions. This year, Phil saw his shadow, which means that we will have 6 more weeks of winter.
Whether Phil predicts more winter, or spring’s early arrival, it’s a time for people to come together and appreciate the history behind this weird, yet fascinating day.
